Beyond the Vines: Discover the Hidden Gems of Bordeaux

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Stephanie MacKnight
Curated By

Stephanie MacKnight

  • City Travel

  • Digital Nomad Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Boutique Travel

  • Slow Travel

  • Bordeaux

  • Countryside

Advisor - Beyond the Vines: Discover the Hidden Gems of Bordeaux
Curator’s statement

Discover Le Petit Paris, also known as Bordeaux. The architecture will remind you of Paris, but the city will feel like its own. Bordeaux offers a slow pace, walkable, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a foodie heaven with restaurants and bars lining every road. This guide is your invitation to go beyond the wine and uncover the food, experiences, and hidden corners that make Bordeaux unforgettable.

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Things to do in Bordeaux

Place Fernand Lafargue: A vibrant square in the historic city center

  • Grosse Cloche on Rue Saint-James: A bell tower that feels like the entrance to a fairytale city. This is one of the six original city gates surrounding the historic center.

  • Jardin Public: A green space in the city with grassy fields, walking paths, and a botanical garden. The perfect place for a picnic in the park.

  • Rue Sainte-Catherine: The longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe (1.2km). Lined with major brands, small boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Can be a busy area, but worth exploring!

  • Marche des Capucins: Large marketplace with fresh produce, cheese, meats, bakeries, restaurants, and bars. Come here to get a taste of different items around the market, or stay a while a dine at one of the restaurants.

  • Self-guided bike tour: Rent a bike from one of the many stations and zip around the city! The roads are very bike-friendly and easy to navigate. Cruise down the river and across the bridge.

  • Darwin Eco-systeme: A unique urban hub with co-working spaces, cafes, and street art. Grab a coffee and stay for a while if you have a book or some remote work to get done.

  • Cite du Vin: A high-tech wine museum with immersive displays. Great place to learn about the history of wine and production methods.

  • Day trip to Saint-Emilion: A charming medieval village to explore and go wine tasting at one of the many wineries. The first macarons ever made in France originated here!

  • Day trip to Arcachon: This seaside town’s unique architecture is reminiscent of Southern California. It also has the largest sand dune in Europe overlooking the ocean. Rent a bike to go from the city to the dune and climb to the stop for the amazing views!

  • Wander the picturesque streets: My favorite streets to wander for food & atmosphere are Rue Saint-James, Rue des Ayres, Rue Sainte-Colombe, Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre, and Rue des Bahutiers.

Places to eat & drink in Bordeaux

La Meule Du Berger: Fondue feast

  • L’avant Comptoir du Palais: French restaurant of small plates that are delicious and perfectly balanced! Split a meal with friends or order several plates for yourself if you’re solo dining.

  • O'billig: Creperie with amazing fresh crepes! Sit outside for a long lunch. The sugar-butter crepe is perfect.

  • Books & Coffee: A coffee shop with beautiful clock-tower views. Grab a table outside on a sunny day.

  • Homie's Kitchen Bordeaux: One of the top brunch spots in the city. The eggs Benedict is perfect, and their iced coffee comes as coffee ice cubes with warm milk to turn into a perfect iced latte that you create yourself.

  • Boulangerie Louis Lamour: The bakery for chocolate croissants! The most perfectly made croissant layered with chocolate, you’ll want to go back for more.

  • Fortiche Club: Sometimes there is nothing better than a sandwich on a baguette, and this is a prime lunch spot for that. All of the ingredients are perfect, so every bite is incredible.

  • Jolly: An ice cream shop that specializes in fruit flavors. Try the raspberry and mango flavors if you want to fall in love with fruit ice cream.

  • Hush Hush: Small plates that satisfy! A spot where you can dine outside on a cute street with tasty food.

  • Palatino: An Italian restaurant with a vibrant, buzzing, fun interior, and even more amazing food! The truffle pasta is a favorite, and anything you get will likely be delicious.

  • La Meule Du Berger: A charmingly decorated Swiss restaurant with tasty fondue! The sides of bread and potatoes are generous and the cheese is perfect for a fondue feast.

Need to know

Bordeaux is best explored by foot, so plan to walk a lot! There is a tram that runs through the city for longer distances, but walking or biking is the best way to get around. Don’t miss out on all the food this city holds, and take a food tour to taste it all. Plan to spend at least a few days so you can not only explore the city, but also the beautiful day trips accessible by train.

Stephanie MacKnight

Travel Advisor

Stephanie MacKnight

Advisor - Stephanie MacKnight

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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Bordeaux page.